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Oyama resident faces charges related to explosives

An Oyama man has now been charged following his arrest in September 2013 for allegedly possessing and making explosive devices.

Early in the last week of August 2013, the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit B.C. ) received a tip that a man was making explosive devices in his West Kelowna home and was in the process of moving to a home in Oyama.

CFSEU-BC investigators arrested the man without incident at his home on Aug. 28 and search warrants were executed at both the West Kelowna and Oyama homes.

Officers found what was described as “bomb-making equipment” in the Oyama home that consisted of modified timers, batteries, igniters, dismantled shotgun shells, a container of black powder, and small wooden boxes fitted with wiring.

No fully-built bombs or explosive devices were found.

Also found in the searches were several compound bows, a crossbow, brass knuckles, two semi-automatic assault- style rifles with over-capacity magazines, as well as a small amount of marijuana.

It was discovered that the man was also bound by a prohibition order involving explosive materials, devices, and weapons.

Following his arrest, he was remanded into custody and transported to Alberta regarding an unrelated criminal matter.

John Jason Neufeld, 36, of Oyama, has been charged with one count of possession of an explosive substance, one count of possession of an explosive substance while prohibited, one count of possession of a crossbow while prohibited, and one count of possession of ammunition while prohibited.

Neufeld is currently not in custody and his next court appearance is scheduled for April 28 in Kelowna court.

CFSEU-BC says there was, and remains, absolutely no indication or information to support that the investigation has any links to terrorism or extremism.

CFSEU-BC’s investigation was focused solely on the possible gang-related criminal activity and this investigation falls within the mandate of CFSEU-BC; to target, investigate, prosecute, disrupt, and dismantle the organized crime groups and individuals that pose the highest risk to public safety.